It may have been Connacht’s first win of the new campaign but John O’Sullivan it’s exactly over the moon just yet…
Connacht's 30-17 victory over Zebre can be looked at from two different perspectives:
One: Connacht's performance was lacklustre, but, completely opposite to previous years, they managed to grind out a win. To put it simply, three or four seasons ago if Connacht had played that badly they would have been comprehensively beaten. The Elwood regime has brought many things to Connacht and resolve is definitely one of them.
Two: Quite like their defeat to Cardiff last weekend, Connacht's performance was poor. Some Connacht fans may be worried about their sides lack of momentum and quality performances will hinder their chances of making more progress in next seasons Heineken Cup.
Eric Elwood was a kicker of prestige during his playing career, and the Galway man will be delighted with the performance of Miah Nikora. The Kiwi fly half kicked six from six and with new signing Dan Parks absent he'll be hoping to make the Australian sweat over his place.
Connacht's other stand out performers were were young players Tiernan O'Halloran and Eoin Griffin. Indeed, the two dovetailed imperiously for O'Halloran's try. Griffins insightful grubber kick wreaked havoc in the Italians and O'Halloran capitalised, touching down with aplomb.
Nikora's metronomic boot added six more points for Connacht giving the Westerners a 13-0 half time lead.
Zebre, who are, of course, a new franchise had never scored a try before, but they didn't have to wait long. Samuele Pace showed his name is suggestive by taking advantage of slack Connacht defending and made history by scoring the Italians first ever competitive try.
Connacht responded almost instantaneously, with George Nauopu needing the TMO to confirm his try. Nikora added the extras for 23-7.
The game was beginning to open and Zebre soon had their second try.
Andries Van Schalkwyk crashed over the line to bring the score line to 23-14.
Any chance of a Zebre comeback was quenched when Mike McCarthy crossed the whitewash sealing the win.
Connacht's next game is their home game against the in-form Scarlets on September 15th.
I’m John O’Sullivan, 20. Part time student, full time sports nut. Love rugby and am currently the PRO of Connemara RFC. I also do some radio work for my local station. One day, I would love to be a Sports Journalist/Broadcaster. I would like to thank Jeff for giving me the chance to cover my beloved Connacht on ‘Harpin2’, looking forward to a great season!
